Mobility

In Switzerland, travelling is very convenient - by public or private transportation.

Public transportation Located in the centre of Europe, Switzerland is a true hub for transportation, especially for traffic crossing the Alps from the north or south. The New Railway Link through the Alps (Neue Eisenbahn-Alpentransversale or NEAT) is one of the world's largest construction projects. This network of fast, convenient and environmentally friendly rail links is helping to bring northern and southern Europe ever closer together, for passengers as well as freight traffic.

Switzerland has a dense network of public-transportation offerings. Though two-thirds of the country is covered in very mountainous terrain, Switzerland has the densest rail network in the world. Towns not connected to the rail network are generally served by bus routes (Linienbusse or Postautos).

Driving in Switzerland Switzerland has a very extensive and dense transportation network. The Swiss highway network is one of the densest in the world. The majority of the population lives less than 10 kilometres from the nearest highway access.

Highways: 120 km/h

Out of town: 80 km/h

In town: 50 or 60 km/h

Residential areas: 30 km/h

The use of the Swiss road network is free of charge for private cars; however a vignette is required for cars driven on the highways in Switzerland. The vignette is valid for one calendar year and can be purchased at customs, petrol stations or post offices.

Since 1 January 2001, a fee (Leistungsabhängige Schwerverkehrsabgabe or LSVA) is levied on larger trucks and lories, based on the distance travelled as well as the vehicle's total weight and emissions level. It is charged electronically.

Driving license Your foreign driving license is valid for the first 12 months in Switzerland, after which a Swiss license is mandatory. During this first year, you may exchange your foreign license for a Swiss driving license (for a fee) at the vehicle licensing office (Strassenverkehrsamt) for your canton.

If you fail to do so within this timeframe, you will be required to take the Swiss driving test.

Required documents:

Driving license application (available from vehicle licensing office)

Residence permit

Valid passport

2 recent passport photos

Eye test (performed at any optician for a nominal fee and attested on your license application)